Journal of Nippon Medical School = Nippon Ika Daigaku zasshi
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Analysis of risk factors for postpneumonectomy bronchopleural fistulas in patients with lung cancer.
Bronchopleural fistula is a potentially fatal complication of pulmonary resections, especially pneumonectomy. ⋯ Bronchopleural fistula is strongly associated with preoperative infection, right pneumonectomy, and pathological N2, 3 disease. Bronchial stump coverage with pedicled tissue flaps and preservation of the bronchial arteries during mediastinal lymph node dissection are recommended to maintain the blood supply to the bronchial stump in patients at risk.